A Day in the Life of Katie Couric

The proof is in the photos: Katie Couric is a busy woman. Buckle up for a day in the life of America's new talk-show host.

The proof is in the photos: Katie Couric is a busy woman. Buckle up for a day in the life of America's new talk-show host.

1 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

7:30 AM

Coffee, but not her first cup. "I get up early-most days it's around 5:45-and I treat myself to half an hour in bed, just relaxing and preparing for the day. Then everything starts on a calmer note."

2 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

8:00 AM

Taxi to spin class. "I'm a pretty social person, so when I have a moment, I call my friends. Even though I have a talk show, I still like to talk."

3 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

8:30 AM

Flywheel with friend Pat. "I get some of my best story ideas from friends. Their variety of life experiences really shows you what's out there. I'm always interested in what they are reading, doing, seeing, and talking about."

4 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

9:30 AM

Daily reading (with dog Cooper). Katie consumes information constantly-at her desk, on her phone, even in her bed, which is heaped with magazines, books, and papers.

5 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

9:35 AM

Watching the morning news. "I have a lot of energy, but not like in my 30s when I was sleeping for four hours and getting up to do the Today show. I'm not sure I could do that now."

6 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

9:45 AM

A stand-up breakfast. "Kashi is a standard. With peaches. I love good peaches. The ABC station in Georgia just sent me some!"

7 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

10:15 AM

Running behind (and not for the first time). Katie literally sprinted through her day, showing up at filmings with seconds to spare, but she was always poised and calm in front of the camera.

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Gail Albert Halaban

10:45 AM

In the tracking booth. "You know those parts in a show where you hear the voice saying, 'Next up, we continue our conversation with Jennifer Lopez'? That's what I'm recording here."

9 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

11:30 AM

Editing the script. Katie's mind works in double time: In minutes, with producer Michael Bass, she delivered smart, show-enhancing edits.

10 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

11:45 AM

Prepping in the makeup chair. "This is the quiet moment in my day. I feel so grateful. I look around and there's all these people working hard to make a great show. Then I get all the on-camera credit."

11 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

12:15 PM

Working with her assistant, Meredith. "She manages my schedule. She does everything. Meredith is my savior and salvation."

12 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

2:30 PM

Chatting with the audience during a break. "I can have more fun with my work clothes now. I used to have to wear blazers and be more conservative. I can be girly again."

13 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

4:00 PM

Post-show antics. "The stage always crowds like this after the show. There are producers, people filming promos, etc. From the stage, it's hard to tell how well it's going, so I really value this post-op."

14 of 14

Gail Albert Halaban

6:30 PM

Out to dinner. "I'm meeting friends, but I've been dating someone I also spend time with. Of course I'll still be checking email. It's not like I get home and [dramatic voice] draw a bath."

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